NDT Advance Access originally published online on January 14, 2008
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 2008 23(7):2280-2285; doi:10.1093/ndt/gfm936
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A randomized, double-blind study of valsartan versus metoprolol on arterial distensibility and endothelial function in essential hypertension
Department of Internal Medicine D, University of Münster, 48129 Münster, Germany
Correspondence and offprint requests to: Markus Kosch, Department of Internal Medicine D, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany. Tel: +49-251-8347539; Fax: +49-251-8346979; E-mail: markuskosch{at}gmx.de
| Abstract |
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Background. Antihypertensive drugs may have differential, pressure-independent effects on hypertension-associated alterations of arterial function. We compared the effects of a 12-week therapy with the AT1-receptor antagonist valsartan (Val) versus the beta-blocker metoprolol (Met) on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in mildly hypertensive patients at rest and during generalized sympathetic stimulation.
Methods. Sixty-eight patients (37 male, 31 female, 46 ± 6 years) were randomized to Val (80–160 mg/d) or Met (50–100 mg/d). Effects of therapy on endothelial function, brachial and carotid artery distensibility coefficients, pulse wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness and elastic modulus were assessed at rest and during the cold pressor test.
Results. Fifty-two patients were available for per protocol analysis. Blood pressure was comparably reduced in both treatment groups. Effects on endothelial function and large artery elastic wall properties did not differ significantly between the two antihypertensive treatment regimens. Trends did not differ significantly between groups for any parameter including carotid intima-media thickness and elastic modulus.
Conclusion. Short-term treatment with Val and Met had similar effects on large artery functional vessel wall properties in a population of mildly hypertensive patients.
Keywords: arterial distensibility and compliance; AT1-receptor blocker; endothelial function; essential hypertension; intima-media thickness
Received for publication: 24. 4.07
Accepted in revised form: 18.12.07